Unloved horses

In the cinema right now is an epic Stephen Spielberg movie entitled War Horse (adapted from the 1982 book by Michael Murpurgo) which I strongly urge people to go and watch, despite the horrors of war in gory detail inflicted upon man and beast.

These magnificently imposing animals (horses) deserve and demand far better...- Peter Murray, Mosta

One doesn’t have to be an animal lover, or more specifically a horse lover, to appreciate the beauty and majesty of this noble equine creature which throughout many centuries of conflict has come to the irreplaceable and largely unappreciated aid of man in such adversity.

These tireless, beautiful beasts have provided much sporting pleasure and enjoyment in peace time and undoubtedly saved the lives of many and contributed immeasureably to war efforts by their selfless and fearless endeavours, which sadly culminated in their mass slaughter along with many of their masters.

Throughout the centuries much has been lovingly written by renowned poets and literary giants paying tribute to this marvellous creation along with many warnings of their immense power.

But how do we in Malta largely acknowledge and respect such equine beauty and reward their company? Do we subject them to endless toil in the unforgiving sun, dragging their heavily laden cargo around with them to see our heritage sights irrespective of the incandescant weather or time of day and when finished provide adequate food, water and more crucially shelter from the sun’s destructive power when at rest?

Regrettably, yes and no are the irresponsible answers – for the karrozzin horses are our own inimitable version of a war horse. Sadly a lot of horse owners treat their inanimate motor vehicles better (even better than their own bodies) for ironically it is only the car’s horse power they truly respect and care for. It is not a sexist observation to note that there are no women (or none to my knowledge) karrozzin drivers. For as Rudyard Kipling rightly opined “four things greater than all things are – women and horses, power and war”.

When are we truly going to acknowledge the grace, intelligence and majesty of these aristocratic creatures and treat them with the dignity they deserve? As William Shakespeare observed even King Richard III of England was heard to remark on the battlefield about the absolute and immutable importance of a horse when he would gladly trade his entire empire for one. “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!”

There is invariably no closer bond nor intimate secret than those shared between a rider and his horse. Yet here in Malta they are largely mistreated and uncared for when at work, which is massively confounding since they provide a source of income for the owner.

These magnificently imposing animals deserve and demand far better; but who in power will ensure such? Or will such disdain result in the revenge of the horse with us ending up like the ancient city of Troy?